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Invasion Of Poland
In 1939, Hitler invaded Germany as a plan to establish a German dominance in Western Europe. This marked the start of World War 1. -
Britain and France Declare War On Germany
After the invasion of Poland, Britain and France almost immediately declared war on Germany. They did so as they saw the invasion as a act of aggression and had previously pledged to protect Poland. -
Hitler Invades Denmark and Norway
Hitler invaded both Denmark and Norway in a plan called "Operation Weserübung" which was initiated to secure important locations like ports or resources like iron ore. -
Italy Joins WW2 and The Axis Powers
Fascist Italy Joins World War 2 on the side of the Axis Powers. They wanted to establish dominance in the Mediterranean area and gain new territory as well. -
Germany Attacks Russia
Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in an attempt to gain more territory, but the attempt ultimately failed due to factors like attacking in the middle of the winter. -
Pearl Harbor Attacks
A United States naval base in Hawaii was bombed by Japanese planes. Over 2,400 Americans died, including civilians. This is what led to the American's joining the war. -
United States and Britian Declare War on Japan
As a direct result of Pearl Harbor, the United States and their ally, Britain, both declared war on Japan. -
Battle Of Midway
A naval battle that took place from June 4-7 in 1942. It was fought between the United States and Japan in the Pacific Ocean. The war took a turn with a United States victory. -
Allies Invade North Africa
British and American forces invade French North Africa in order to secure the Mediterranean area and to create a base there. -
Surrender Of Italy
Following the overthrow of Mussolini, the Axis Power Italy surrendered to the Allies. This was also because of the Italian people's loss of interest in the war. -
D-Day In Normandy
Allied forces began the largest amphibious attack in war history against the Nazi's in Normandy, France. There were heavy casualties but the battle eventually ended in an Allied win, creating a turning point in the war. -
Battle Of The Bulge
Lasting from December 16th 1944 to January 25th 1945, the Nazi's launched an attack on Allies. It was a German success at first, but it eventually was a failure. It was considered the last major offensive attack on behalf of the Germans. -
Liberation Of Nazi Concentration Camps
In 1945, Soviet Union troops found and liberated Auschwitz, a Nazi Concentration Camp in Poland. Unveiled the Holocaust and was one of the most important events in the war. -
Russians Reach Berlin
The Soviets, after a long battles, infiltrated Berlin. This marked a major advancement in the war and a huge step to ending it. -
Mussolini Captured and Executed
After being captured during an attempt to flee, Italian forces executed him. This contributed to Hitler's eventually suicide, and ended fascism in Italy. -
Hitler's Suicide
Following Mussolini's death and the fall of the German forces, Hitler died by suicide. This marked the end of the Nazi party and led to their surrender. -
Germany Surrenders
The Germans surrendered unconditionally in Reims, France. May 8th became "V.E. Day" and officially marked the end of the war in Europe. -
U.S. Drops Atomic Bomb On Hiroshima
In an attempt to force the Japanese to surrender, the United States dropped the first atomic Bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. This was the first use of nuclear warfare ever. -
U.S. Drops A Second Bomb On Nagasaki
The United States drops a second bomb on Nagasaki, Japan as another attempt to get Japan to surrender. After threatening a third bomb, the Japanese eventually caved. -
Japanese Surrender/End Of World War 2
Following Nagasaki and devastating conditions, the Japanese surrendered to the Allied forces. This marked a the official end to World War 2.